Learn More About UCCM
A home away from home and a fun learning environment for every child
Umurage Community Center Mahoko (UCCM) is a community-driven organization that develops programs tailored to meet the needs of children and youth from impoverished backgrounds in rural communities. By creating a multifaceted platform, UCCM aims to unlock their full potential and break the cycle of poverty.
Meet our Founder
My name is IRADUKUNDA Gisele, and as the co-founder of Umurage Community Center, I am driven by a deep passion for nurturing young minds in a supportive and enriching environment where every child can thrive. Inspired by my own experiences and committed to making a positive impact, I created this haven for children to explore, learn, and grow, teaching them skills to improve their situations. With a dedicated team and a vision rooted in compassion and creativity, we strive to empower each child to discover their unique potential and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Together, we are shaping a brighter future, one joyful moment and inspiring opportunity at a time.
Where, Why, and
How did the idea
came about?
Rooted in History: Our Founder’s Life Journey
The idea of the nonprofit Umurage Community Center Mahoko arose in 2013 when my husband Daniel and I met at university. Through our friendship, we discovered that we shared remarkably similar life stories; both of us were orphaned at a young age due to the tragic history of our country and grew up in families living in extreme poverty. To survive and attend school was a struggle. Throughout our journey, we received support from different kind-hearted people who extended their hands to help us. Having received such support, we made a commitment that if we ever were able to complete our education, secure employment, and start a family, we would give back to our community by helping to create hope for children in need. We believe that by helping children as we were helped, we are passing on a legacy of compassion inherited from those who supported us, and that’s the inspiration behind the name UMURAGE (Heritage).
In 2019, immediately following our marriage, we started Umurage Community Center Mahoko with 45 children who used to come to our home each week. However, as more children became interested in benefiting from the services we offered, we faced the challenge of limited resources and space. In 2022, we leased a house to accommodate the growing demand, and now we serve over 300 children.
UMURAGE Community Center Mahoko (UCCM) was founded with one goal: to empower children and youth from impoverished backgrounds in rural Rwandan communities.
We are driven by the belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed. Our commitment is to provide the support and resources necessary to make this belief a reality for every child we serve.
About the
Communities We
Serve
Umurage Community Centre Mahoko is located in Mahoko village, Rubavu District in the western province of Rwanda, about 145km from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Numerous challenges are hampering the future of Children and youth from the rural community where it is located and the surrounding villages and some of them are life-threatening problems.
These problems include:
• Overcrowded public schools: Average of 59 students per class, significantly impacting the quality of education.
• Widespread poverty: Most of the 16% Rwanda families living in extreme poverty are in the rural communities.
• Malnutrition and stunting: More than 33%, of the children in rural communities have stunting and malnutrition due to extreme poverty and the survival-oriented lifestyles of many families.
• High incidence of teen motherhood: More than 5% of girls aged 15-19 have started childbearing in rural areas.
• Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): Young children unattended or in the care of older siblings, are exposed to intense adverse childhood experiences that surely leave lifelong repercussions on their lives.
Meet Our Team
Our team of volunteers is comprised of passionate individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children and youth in rural Rwanda. Each member brings unique skills and experiences to the table, working together cohesively to empower and uplift the community.
Volunteering at UCCM is more than just lending a helping hand—it’s an opportunity to be the change you want to see in the world. As a volunteer, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of disadvantaged children, offering your time, skills, and compassion to brighten their futures. Whether leading a workshop, tutoring a child, or simply lending a listening ear, your presence inspires hope and creates moments of joy that last a lifetime.
Join our community of volunteers and experience the profound satisfaction of knowing your efforts are making a tangible difference. Together, let’s spread kindness, love, and hope, one act of service at a time.